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Donald Bys
DONALD BYS
Davenport
Donald James Bys, 90, a resident of Davenport, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017, at The Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Donald will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 24, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 4105 N. Division St., Davenport. Burial will take place in Davenport Memorial Park, with military honors. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass Monday in the gathering space at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church.
Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Donald was born Feb. 10, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a son of Lumir and Louise (Miller) Bys. After graduating from Wilson High School, he attended the Naval Academy from 1944 to 1946 while being stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Donald served in the Navy during World War II. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon his graduation, he moved to Davenport and accepted a position with Commercial Credit. He then spent 35 years working for Crescent Electric until his retirement in 1992.
Donald married the love of his life, Rosemary Stuckel, on Feb. 2, 1952, in Davenport. They spent 48 wonderful years traveling, fishing and enjoying each other's company until her passing in January 2000.
Donald had since spent much of his time gardening, growing his tomatoes and spending time with his neighbors. He also loved going to the casino to visit friends.
Donald just celebrated his 90th birthday with a naval-themed celebration. He spent his last days in Cedar Rapids at The Meth-Wick Community surrounded by his family.
Donald is survived by his sister, Patricia (Bys) Charipar of Cedar Rapids; and his brothers-in-law, Joe Stuckel of Davenport and Gary Ruhberg of Sioux Falls, S.D., along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Rosemary.
The family would like to thank The Meth-Wick Community and Hospice of Mercy for taking wonderful care of Donald in his final days.
Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Donald's obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
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